There are four major game styles: baseline, counterpunch, attack and all-court. A player’s game style will depend on his strengths and weaknesses, and determine the strategies and tactics implemented.

Baseline: The baseline player tries to win the point by being more consistent (pusher) or hitting winners from the back of the court with fast, attacking shots that the opponent cannot reach or return properly (aggressive). The pusher relies on the opponent making mistakes, physical determination to retrieve many balls and immense fitness. The aggressive baseliner requires a deadly array of shots and shot-types. This player may try to win the point outright with one shot or may hit the ball from side to side until he spots an opening.

Counterpunch: This player has the speed and agility to cover the court, returns almost every ball and is able to turn defensive situations into neutral or offensive situations. He is able to defend when playing an attacking player by keeping the ball low and defends against the aggressive baseliner through consistency and shot selection. He makes few errors of his own while making it difficult for opponents to hit winners. The game of the defensive counterpuncher relies more on consistency and accuracy.

Attack: This player has a strong serve, is quick around the net, has a feel and touch for volleys and knows how to position himself at the net. Attackers come to the net at every opportunity when serving. They are always looking to attack and can hit winners with a variety of volleys. When returning, they often employ the "chip-and-charge" return to attack the serve and rush the net. The attack strategy is to pressure the opponent into difficult passing shots.